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SB 10-26-2025 09:25 AM

No engine builder here
nor jet boat person
nor 460 bbf petson

but what the heck, i’ll take a stab :)

the ol’ trusty comp cams 280h
230/230 at .050” 110 lsa

https://www.compcams.com/magnum-mari...d-429-460.html

21rc 10-26-2025 11:36 AM

Is Clay Smith cams still around?

Tartilla 10-26-2025 01:08 PM

The problem with jets, in regard to cam'ing, jet drive need high rpm to get the water flowing effectively. You end up with a high cruise rpm with a high vacuum. The engine doesn't work very hard, but it's inefficient.

Berkely impeller chart:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b72379d24d.jpg

500 HP at 5400 rpm. That's if the A imp isn't already cut down to increase rpm.

450 HP at 5200.

Cam: HR mid 22x Int with a lower 23X Ex with 0.550" lifts.

Your LSA requirement will be dictated by the undervalved the BBF heads, and the conpression ratio. Essentually, how hard it is to have the int and exh ports interact with pressures/flow.

An example for large displacement vs cam duration:

The 365 Mag BBC (454) crate engines of the day, had a 224° single pattern FT cam with 0.510"lift, & 115.5° LSA. Peaked out at 390 hp (crank) at 5200rpm.
Large Rec Port heads and 8.6 CR.

Bottom line, the more accurate info you can generate, the more accurate your custom and/or shelf cam.


zz28zz 10-26-2025 03:10 PM

Can't help with the cam choice but a buddy of mine had a Carlson/460/Berkley combo. I drove it a few times. I can tell ya the jet doesn't bite much at all until you're over 3k RPM.

BBYSTWY 10-27-2025 02:14 AM

Very good info...I will try to track down some more specs on things with the old man to hopefully narrow it down a little more. Thanks!

Tartilla 10-27-2025 03:49 PM

Jones Cams Marine Cam Selection Sheet copy:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a808276d5e.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4fd6b358d7.jpg

There's a drop down selection where it says 'Jet' for various drive systems.

Where it speaks to seat pressure etc, that would/could be prescribed by the cam suggestion...unless required to work with what you have etc.

Generally, when building an engine, you need to have the heads finalized and complete...to dictate everythkng else like pistons and dome requirements for intended CR etc.

BBYSTWY 11-03-2025 06:20 AM

I told him he is kinda putting the cart before the horse trying to get a cam before having the heads done compression fully figured. I think he is finally listening and will update when I have some more nailed down info. Thanks!

boattrubador 11-23-2025 01:15 AM


Originally Posted by BBYSTWY (Post 4937028)
Trying to help my old man out and figured I would ask the brain trust...he is getting a motor together for his jet boat and he's not looking to break any speed records just has some wants so figured I'd see what you guys thought....

460 ford(yeah I know lol)
Not a huge ford researcher so he said he's getting "the good" ford heads...apparently they have some castings that are pretty good from the factory I guess
Stock bottom end with all new bearings and seals of course
2x4 tunnel ram and will be running my Holley 2x4 EFI setup that I just took off my boat with ignition control
Full dry exhaust over the transom
He wants to stay hydraulic roller and wants to go as big as he can since he's running dry exhaust

Again not worried about ringing every single HP out of it just wants it to sound as mean as possible and whatever power he gets, he gets lol

It's a 19-20 ft beisemeyer jet boat that he will just be tooling around in annoying people on inland lakes more than likely hahaha

Thanks for the help!


Gotta know compression ratio to pick a cam

8Ballclan 11-30-2025 11:40 PM

What boattrubador said ... knowing the compression is key especially when you already know it is going to be "low" i.e. 8.5:1
With static compression in that range, a gnarly cam plus a tunnel ram and the 460's generous intake ports will be *extremely* lazy at planing and cruising RPM unless he's got a pretty small impeller cut.


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